Swimmer Molly Renshaw storms into Rio 2016 final with new British record

Molly Renshaw with Cllr Paul Bayliss, Derby City Council.

Published:09:03Thursday 11 August 2016

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Selston swimming sensation Molly Renshaw is through to the final of the women’s 200m breaststroke in Brazil in record breaking time.

The 20-year-old stormed the water in her semi-final last night, finishing second in her race to set a new British record of 2:22.33.

It was a time that ranks her third fastest overall as she now prepares for an Olympic Games final tonight, alongside fellow Brit Chloe Tutton.

Renshaw said: “It’s nice to have the British record back. That swim was amazing. I’ve wanted to go 2:22 for quite a while. After being off that at trials, it’s nice to be finally making the big drop here.

“I knew I had to go out a lot faster than the morning. My back end is strong but I know if I want to make the big drops, I’ve got to make them in the front 100m.

“So I tried to take out the race but still stick to my long counts and keep the hold down the last 100m.

“It’s amazing to be third fastest for the final. I think I came into this ranked 12th so to be up there feels amazing. I’m sure people will step it up but hopefully I can as well.”

Renshaw had earlier finished second in her heat in a time of 2:23.37 and said she took confidence from her 100m race earlier in the week.

She was fractionally off a personal best and a place in the semi-final over the shorter distance but was encouraged by her performance.

She said: “This was just a bonus swim for me and it was great to get into the pool, experience the crowd and prepare for the 200m.”